How to Care for your Tortoise

A tortoise is a wonderful pet to have, but like all exotic creatures they have specific needs and some basic requirements that must be met in order to keep them happy and healthy.

If cared for properly a tortoise will have a very long lifespan, with many living to be over 100 years old. This is why, before taking one of these delightful pets into your home, you should consider that it will most likely be a lifelong commitment and they may well outlive you!

When deciding whether or not a tortoise is right for you, you should think about where it will live, what conditions it will need and how much time and attention you will need to provide.

What conditions does the tortoise need to have?

As much as possible you should try to mimic the natural environment that your tortoise would have lived in. Also be aware that if the tortoise enclosure is too moist it may encourage fungal growth, which can affect their health. You should include a basking area in the enclosure, as well as some shade so that your tortoise can move around and regulate their body temperature as required.

What will I need to feed my tortoise?

Our range of feeding bowls have a natural effect, are easy to clean and are non-porous. They are designed to blend into the surroundings so that your tortoise will feel like it is foraging in the wild. Ensure that your tortoise always has access to shallow water for drinking and for soaking in.

The main part of your tortoises diet will be made up of fresh vegetables such as leafy greens, with some vegetation like dandelions for example. They will require protein from small live insects such as mealworms or crickets and fruit can also make up a small percentage of their diet. Calcium is particularly important to a tortoise, so be sure to add a supplement to their food twice a week.

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